HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210813MO3DEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: August 13, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
SARAH K. BLANE, CHIEF OF STAFF
(808) 241-4900
Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reports fourth Kaua‘i
fatality, 39 new cases of COVID-19 on Aug. 13
LĪHU‘E – The Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported Kaua‘i’s
fourth fatality from COVID-19 and announced 39 new cases on Friday, Aug. 13.
The fatality was a male Kaua‘i resident in his 70s who was hospitalized on Kaua‘i and had
underlying health conditions.
“We are sad to report the island’s fourth fatality from COVID-19, and we extend our sincerest
warmth and prayers to the family, friends, and loved ones for this tragic loss,” said Mayor Derek S. K.
Kawakami.
Kaua‘i’s case count is now increasing exponentially, as are case counts statewide.
“Please wear a mask whenever you are indoors in public places, or in crowded outdoor
settings,” said Dr. Janet Berreman, Kaua‘i District Health Officer. “If you are sick, please stay home and
arrange to get tested. If you have traveled recently, please consider getting tested. Mask and testing are
important whether or not you have been vaccinated. And of course, if you have not yet been vaccinated
I hope you will consider doing so.”
“Mahalo to Hawai‘I Pacific Health and Wilcox Medical Center for making booster doses of
vaccine available to eligible immunocompromised individuals,” added Dr. Berreman.
On Kaua‘i, booster dose vaccinations are walk-in only for the following clinic dates:
- Wilcox Medical Center – Aug. 14, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; and
- Hanalei Neighborhood Center – Aug. 14, from noon to 3 p.m.
For more information, visit https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/.
Today’s cases consist of three visitors and 36 residents. Of the 39 cases, 10 are children and 29
are adults. Seven of the cases are related to mainland travel. The remaining 32 cases are considered
community-acquired. Twenty-six of the community-acquired infections are close contacts of previously
announced cases or are tied to one of our active clusters. The remaining six community-acquired cases
have no known source of infection.
All active cases are in isolation, and close contacts are being identified, offered testing, and
directed to quarantine. Investigations are ongoing.
Today’s cases bring the number of active cases to 215, with two hospitalized, and 880 cumulative
cases. Kaua‘i’s cumulative case count includes 826 confirmed locally, eight probable, and 46 positive
cases diagnosed elsewhere, as they received their pre-travel test results after arriving on island.
If you have symptoms or are feeling sick, you should isolate yourself immediately, stay away
from household members, and not go out – including to work or school – unless you are seeking testing
or getting health care. Those who have been vaccinated should still be tested if they believe they may
have been exposed or if they feel sick.
Many cases are in residents who have traveled. If you plan a trip, please be vaccinated before
you go. And whether or not you are vaccinated, follow Hawai‘i’s prudent rules and wear a mask in
crowded indoor settings. Finally, please get tested 3 to 5 days after you return to Kaua‘i.
Vaccination is free and widely available on the island, including on weekends and evenings and
pop-up vaccination opportunities at community sites. Many vaccination sites accept walk-ins. Residents
aged 18 and older are eligible for any vaccine available at pharmacy, hospital, and clinic locations. The
Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for use in those 12 years of age and older, and are currently available
at Wilcox Medical Center, Līhu‘e Longs, and Līhu‘e Safeway. For details on the vaccination sites, visit
www.kauai.gov/vaccine.
Free testing is available at the Convention Hall, weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on a first-
come, first-served basis. Additionally, a free mobile testing van is available for walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 1
p.m. at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center on Wednesdays, Kīlauea Neighborhood Center on Thursdays,
Kalāheo Neighborhood Center on Fridays, Hanalei Neighborhood Center on Saturdays, and Kapa‘a
Neighborhood Center on Sundays. Testing performed at the Convention Hall and through the mobile
testing van is rapid PCR. Same-day results are sent via email.
Testing is also available through your primary care physician, a hospital, or an urgent care clinic.
Please contact those providers directly for more information. For more details, visit
https://www.kauai.gov/covidtest.
For more information on the county’s COVID-19 response, visit www.kauai.gov/COVID-19.
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